Hepatic and Pancreaticobiliary Custom Model

The Challenge:

When the global product manager for endoscopy at Boston Scientific wanted the sales representatives to provide value beyond  simply showing the firm’s SpyGlass Discover Digital Catheter device to surgeons, he reached out to Pulse MDM.  The “must have” anatomical features in a model to accompany the device included the cystic duct, hepatic ducts and common bile duct.  The “nice to have” anatomical features were the gallbladder, liver, pancreas and pancreatic duct

The SpyGlass Discover Digital Catheter is intended to provide direct visualization and to guide both optical and accessory devices for diagnostic and therapeutic applications during endoscopic procedures in the pancreaticobiliary system including the hepatic ducts.

Model Design:

Pulse MDM proposed a soft, two-piece, opaque biliary tract block for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.  The block included molded in “snaps” at the corners to hold the two halves together during navigation.  After the navigation demonstration, the block could be opened to see the anatomy in its fullness which in turn would  spark clinically relevant dialog.

Model Development:

Pulse MDM created the tract in CAD  and collaborated Boston Scientific which proposed laparoscope points of entry and highly specific angles.  Pulse MDM carefully matched client specified tract diameters and was able to include all the “must have” and “nice to have” anatomical structures.

Model Solution:

The Pulse MDM model allows clinicians to insert the guidewire, follow with the intraoperative cholangiogram or IOC catheter and then the SpyGlass Discover to visualize pancreaticobiliary ducts and retrieve stones.  Clinicians are able to feel and steer into the tracts from four different points of entry to observe and validate image quality and experience the superior navigability of a single use scope.  The block’s exterior incorporates a recessed outline of the tracts modeled within so clinicians know what to expect inside.

Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, would be delighted to make you a version that is specific to your unique medical device and procedure. Please use this link to start the process of receiving a model concept; a visual representation of how clinicians and patients will experience your product and procedure. Pulse MDM does not charge for model concepts or the conversations around them so there is no risk to see how we can help you to tell your story in the most engaging and memorable way possible.

Endoscopes are used to examine the upper digestive system to diagnose and treat conditions in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and biliary tract.

The  benefit of single-use endoscopes is the reduction of the risk of post-procedure infection caused by cross-contamination 

Additional benefits of these single-use devices include:

• True health economy – The costs of treating post-procedure infections are significantly reduced, and patients can return home from procedures earlier.
• Time-efficiency – Time spend preparing devices for reuse can be redirected to patient care.
• Lowered risk of device damage and inferior testing –Single-use endoscopes do not sustain the damage that reusable devices receive over time.
• Diminished likelihood of regulatory penalties – For example, fewer infections as a result of using disposable devices in a hospital can reduce the chances of Medicare reducing its payments through its Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program.